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Definitely have to go to the Smithsonian - and make sure to check out National Museum of African Art (a Smithsonian facility) - I just renewed my membership (can we say, 10% off all purchases, including food? Yeah, buddy)http://africa.si.edu/

More to come ---

Phil D (who absolutely loves Washington D.C.)

Edited to add Smithsonian Museum of African Art (was there in November and it was awesome)

Too bad the Chesapeake House is no longer there. (9th and H NW). Those boys sure knew how to shake it... but the problem is you really did not want to be near stage because distance and darkness really did a lot for them.

ps: now that Commander Salamander closed a couple years ago the entire city is a mere ghost of it's former self

And this is a bit geeky of me I realize, but for something off the beaten path but always easy to get to physically, the Map Room of the Library of Congress often has interesting exhibits. Also, if you find yourself in the vicinity of Ford's Theatre, around the corner is the often overlooked National Portrait Gallery (part of Smithsonian, just not on the Mall with the majority of the buildings). They did a lovely enclosure/renovation with a glass curtain-wall undulating roof by Norman Foster a few years ago and it would provide a nice respite from any hot weather before continuing on elsewhere. It's at Eighth and F Streets, NW

Oh, by the way, if you've not familiar with the way addresses are done in quadrants, or how numbered versus lettered streets are done and overlaid on state named boulevards do yourself a favor and learn it.

Oh, by the way, if you've not familiar with the way addresses are done in quadrants, or how numbered versus lettered streets are done and overlaid on state named boulevards do yourself a favor and learn it.

That is good advice.

Also if you venture to the fringes of the city and want to kinda know how far you are from the center, a general rule is that streets with one syllable names are closer in than two syllable and three. (Cumberland Street NW would be much farther out than C street NW). Typically the street names run through the alphabet so you would expect Porter Street to be closer to the city center than Lowell. These rules do have exceptions but are useful if you are new to the area. Oh and if you drive there... please remember that people already in the circle have the right of way. That is a rule that changes from state to state and let me tell you... the DC drivers dont mind hitting your ass.

. Oh and if you drive there... please remember that people already in the circle have the right of way. That is a rule that changes from state to state and let me tell you... the DC drivers dont mind hitting your ass.

that all sounds very confusing. I think we will leave the driving up to Gary. SHOTGUN!. I got caught in one of those circles in New Hampshire, and since they are unheard of in Texas I was stunned at what was happening, I went around like 8 times before I got the balls to make a run for an exit, by that time I was so dizzy that I missed the exit and drove over the island taking out the suspension of the rental car we were driving.

I guess I won't be driving. I don't even know what you guys are talking about. If I do, I'll either take the F250, Crew Cab Ram, or any other functional trucks that will automatically give me the right of way. They really don't want to fight a Ram with a beamer do they? I'll take a right of way when I need. Or, I'll just fly now that I'm no longer afraid. Already done the research, and it still amazes me that flying is cheaper than driving.....and I'm certain it's quicker. Hell, I can air the shocks up in the S10 and freak them all out. They'd look at that thing and assume it's not insured. Another way of getting a right of way.

Wolfie

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Complacency is the enemy. Challenge yourself daily for maximum return on investment.

Traffic circles (roundabouts for our friends across the pond) are not all that difficult to navigate. Although, when you have to go into them the wrong way like the British do, it can get a little hairy. Just put your big girl panties on and you will all do fine.

Ed and I are seriously talking about going. ( It's been quite awhile , since we drove in Washinton DC), And we will be driving. We will be doing the same as we did earlier this summer and taking the auto train to Lorton, VA

Ed and I are seriously talking about going. ( It's been quite awhile , since we drove in Washinton DC), And we will be driving.

Ray

Same here Ray, we will be driving to D.C. from ABQ, we did the math, and to fly it's about the same money-wise, the only difference between flying, we would get there a lot faster, it will take us about2 days, but it will be FUN taking I-40 all the way to VA. (unless Bob changes his mind) sometimes we agree just to disagree , however I'm sure we'll come to some agreement by then, (I'm still working on him)

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

I plan to drive there. My only dilemma is that I am also going on a cruise for my birthday this year (early Aug) and funds will be tight. I plan to attend but will be staying with friends to offset the costs. Its just a little over one tank of gas for me to get there from here so I am sure I can swing that part.

I plan to drive there. My only dilemma is that I am also going on a cruise for my birthday this year (early Aug)

James I didn't know that you were a Leo, I love Leo's, your a strong person, and can take most anything life throws your way, Mark is a Leo, your such nice people to know, always kind, punctual and cordial

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

since they are unheard of in Texas I was stunned at what was happening

yes, traffic circles are definitely not a Southern thing. I never saw one before until I was in Ohio. However, we actually have two circles in my area though right now - but they are within a shopping plaza area (which must have been designed by Yankees LOL)

Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 4 or more people. For groups smaller than 4, we will make every effort to combine the request with other groups but we cannot guarantee availability.

Requests are accepted by our office up to six months in advance, but no less then two months in advance. These self-guided walking tours of the East Wing are available Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays) and take approximately 45 minutes to complete.

We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at (202) 456-7041. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.

Please Note:

A two months advance notice is required.Requests may be submitted up to 6 months in advanceRequests for a White House tour MUST include Security Information.New restrictions implemented by the U.S. Secret Service require security information to be submitted for every person requesting a tour of the White House. If you are submitting a request to tour the White House, you will need to submit every group member's first name, full middle name, last name, date of birth, Social Security Number, US Citizenship (y/n), country of citizenship (for non-US citizens), gender, and city and state of current residence.

If there is any security information missing from your request, we will be unable to submit the White House tour request, and no tour will not be granted.

Please keep in mind that the security information submitted for each group member must match his or her government identification presented upon entering the White House.

Due to the volume of requests, the White House is often fully booked several months in advance.

Goodness gracious -- I was just at the Bill's BBQ on Boulevard a week ago You're really out in the burbs girl, at least I had an address in Shockoe Bottom.

Well one wouldn't really be surprised to hear that you were a Bottom queen.......

While I always loved living in a "city" -- Richmond hardly qualifies. The nice part of the 'burbs' -- I always have a place to park and I get to have a pool in the backyard. So, next time you are in the area, let me know -- pool is open from mid-April thru mid-Oct.

Girl please -- I know you want that cheeseburger from chef Danny Meyer's Shake Shack (plus it's just a block south of Dupont Circle). All the rage in NYC for the past 7 years! We're finally getting our first one in Filthy this year.

You can also go to Bobby Flay's Burger Palace at 2121 K Street, NW for a taste contest, five blocks from Shake Shack.

Girl please -- I know you want that cheeseburger from chef Danny Meyer's Shake Shack (plus it's just a block south of Dupont Circle). All the rage in NYC for the past 7 years! We're finally getting our first one in Filthy this year.

We've got a Shake Shack on South Beach here - it is great - so, I will have to check it out when in D.C.

Also, the Billy Goat Tavern - which I mentioned in earlier post - is the chain (started in Chicago) where Saturday Night Live's "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! No fries, cheeps! No Pepsi, Coke!"? was born.... I ate and drank there when I was in D.C. in November and their burgers are pretty good (simple, but good). Cozy little place to have a drink and close to the Capital (Judiciary Square Metro or Union Station) - on New Jersey Ave. http://billygoattavern.com/

Hi Mark:A bunch of the one's you have listed are national chains and not specific to D.C.; however, I did go through your list and put some info about the ones that I know about --- See bold highlights below:

Bertucci's (Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom), - chain restaurant - good food and reasonable prices, they do get fairly crowded, so expect a bit of a wait (especially for dinner)

Legal Seafoods (Chinatown), - chain restaurant - I haven't been to the one in D.C. - but the one in Fort Lauderdale (Sawgrass Mills Mall) is pretty good - I'm not a big fan

Morton's (Downtown and Georgetown), chain restaurant - the Chicago original - extremely pricey - great steaks, but be prepared to pay around $60 per person (and that's if you only have one drink) - very distinguished crowd - but not a D.C. powermover crowd, as they are more likely to be at Capital Grille or one of the many well known neighborhood steakhouses (i.e. The Monocle)

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Downtown and Dupont Circle), - chain restaurant - great steaks and seafood - but also very pricey - about the same cost as Morton's (maybe slightly less) - and not as pretentious of a crowd - more "homelike."

Uno Chicago Grill (Union Station). - standard pizza chain restaurant - unique pizza - people either love it or hate it - it is one of the many restaurants in Union Station - The Center Cafe is actually a better place to eat and you can sit above the floor area and look out from all directions across the rotunda of the station (ate there in November) - if you check out the link, it gives a good perspective of the restaurant: http://www.unionstationdc.com/store/center-cafe-restaurant/2137040097/2138814770; another good one is Thunder Grill (gets a large crowd, but has plenty of seating slightly pricey); Potbelly's is good for sandwiches (not sure if they have a gluten free menu or not)

And, by region:

DOWNTOWN:

The Capital Grille - chain restaurant - used to draw a very distinguished crowd and was the place to see and be seen - but has lost a lot of that as the franchise has grown (The Monocle is a DC staple where you almost always run into a Senator/Congressperson, etc.) - VERY EXPENSIVE - last time boss and I ate there (she was paying) the tab for two of us (with no alcoholic drinks) including tip was $160. A la carte for any items you want other then the steak that is on your plate (with average steak running around $45 and sides from $8-$10 each: http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/menus/D3_DinnerA.pdf

I would not call the Capitol Grille a chain restaurant. When I lived in DC area (1990-1994) it was one of my favorite late night places. There was a cheaper "pub" menu and one of the memorable items was their burger. One time I sat next the George Stephanapolous at the bar around 11:30 at night. One frequently spots White House staff there. The dinner menu is pricey though....

We have a Capital Grille here in Philly, directly across from the Ritz Carlton and City Hall. However, I'd never eat there. Talk about a lack of creativity on the menu. Reminds of a hotel restaurant, though upper end.

I guess I see restaurants that have more than 20 or so restaurants in multiple states chain restaurants - doesn't mean that it isn't good food - but judging by the map the CG has locations in a great many states and cities - with multiple locations in some cities... Back in the early 90s, I would definitely not have categorized it as a chain - it has lost a bit of its "originality" and "distinguishability" (is that even a word - lol) since it greatly expanded.http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/03/16/daily58.html

BTW, I think I could give some of the finer steakhouses a run for their money.... Tonight's dinner...A 16 ounce T-Bone steak - seasoned and marinated for 19 hours, then broiled, served with perfectly sauteed onions and mushrooms on top, with seasoned, steamed green peas, and macaroni and cheese. YUM YUM. I think this would go for about $65-$70 at one of D.C.'s finer steakhouses

I have been doing some research and I came up with a few eating establishments that are gluten-free friendly.

_________________

Oh Mark, that sounds like fun, I've never had gluten-free, and with the gutt- issues I already have, it sure couldn't hurt, we'll have to go gluten-free eatery hopping in D.C. .....looking forward to it

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"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

My bad! The restaurant I am referring to is "The Old Ebbitt Grill" and it is around the corner from the White House. The Capital Grille is a national (and overpriced if you ask me) chain and not very imaginative.

The Old Ebbitt Grill is a bit more reasonable and you never know when a White House celebrity or staffer may be in there. Google "Old Ebbitt Grill" to read more about it.

James I didn't know that you were a Leo, I love Leo's, your a strong person, and can take most anything life throws your way, Mark is a Leo, your such nice people to know, always kind, punctual and cordial

5) Perryís (drag brunch, funnest place with all you can eat breakfast on the weekends)

6) Circa (off Dupont Circle)

7) Hank's Oyster bar (off of 17th/gay street and R St?)

Gallery Place Chinatown has some very nice restaurants too as well as the Verizon Center (e.g. Rosa Mexicano, Matchbox Pizza, Clyde's)

Some things to do besides the sight seeing/touring:1) Odyssey cruise along the Potomac around key DC points of interest (i.e. Jefferson/Lincoln Memorials, Washington Monument, Watergate hotel). Can accommodate groups of people and also serve food. I suggest doing this at night and the moon is out.

2) The Kennedy Center (The only thing scheduled this early on is the Addams Family)

3) Shakespeare Theater (Too early for them to list whatís showing)

4) Gay outings: Town is the biggest gay club in DC and across the street is Nellies, which is the only gay sports bar in DC and also my favorite because it's laid back and has OK food with very goodlooking servers/bartenders. 17th (aka Gay) Street has Cobalt (a club)/Level One (which is a restaurantÖan ok place for brunch), several gay owned/friendly restaurants like Annies, Dupont Italian Kitchen (or DIK), and JRs (overly crowded bar).

Let me know if there's something you are particularly interested in (e.g. a specific type of food or place to go, and I may be of further assistance). Don't be surprised if I drop in on one of your outings as I haven't seen some of you in over 5 years!